Minority community leaders in Springfield Massachusetts have endorsed a new push by several city councilors to enforce a residency requirement for city employees
The head of the Greater Springfield Chapter of the NAACP Rev. Talbert Swan says the long standing practice of granting waivers to the residency rule has shut the door to city employment for qualified blacks and Hispanics.
Swan and Carlos Gonzales, President of the Latino Chamber of Commerce announced their support for City Council President James Ferrera’s plan to use the city budget as leverage in the residency dispute. Thousands of city employees, including teachers, police and firemen are exempt from residency requirements either because of union contracts, or state law.
